The Bavarians were signing yet another of BVB's stars, after acquiring Mario Gotze at the end of last season for 37 million euros, to further strengthen their position as the top side in Germany — despite the fact that they already have another top-class striker in the form of Mario Mandzukic.

So, should Pep Guardiola drop the Croatian, who has performed brilliantly in his two years at the Allianz Arena, in favor of the more glamorous forward? Goal's experts debate the issue.

MANDZUKIC HAS DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE THIS

By Enis Koylu

When Bayern Munich lost the Champions League final to Chelsea in 2012, then-club president Uli Hoeness was quick to scapegoat Mario Gomez, saying that his side would have won if the German was “world class” rather than just “good.”

Mario Mandzukic was promptly signed to replace the former Stuttgart man and delivered Europe’s biggest title less than 12 months later, scoring the opener in the Wembley win over Dortmund. He may not be spectacular, but the Croat’s workrate, commitment and eye for goal are invaluable.

But apparently that’s not enough. Despite having an effective No. 9 who has delivered time and time again, Bayern sought to bring Robert Lewandowski to the Allianz Arena on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

The move has, quite understandably, left Mandzukic miffed. The former Wolfsburg man has done little wrong in his two seasons in Bavaria, having won his place from Gomez fair and square.

His contribution to the team is undeniable. With Claudio Pizarro having played a bit-part role this season, he is the only main striker in the first team and has led the line admirably and tirelessly.

Yet Pep Guardiola seems desperate to replace him, having played Gotze and Thomas Muller as strikers — a role to which they seem ill-suited — and even leaving Mandzukic in exile from the first team at the turn of the year.

Since then, Mandzukic has responded in typical fashion, spearheading the European champions’ front line.

When he is left out, he is missed. When the Bavarians were struggling in the recent Champions League tie at Old Trafford, his introduction heralded a change in fortunes as he immediately set up Bastian Schweinsteiger’s equalizer, then triggered a comeback in the second leg after Bayern went a goal down.

Beyond that, Lewandowski and Mandzukic have both scored 17 Bundesliga goals — despite the Croatian starting fewer matches. The Pole is hardly more productive, despite all his talents.

Whether it is because Bayern wants to weaken a direct rival by signing its star player, or because it simply feels the need to upgrade to an allegedly better striker, Mandzukic has done nothing to be dropped in favor of Lewandowski.

They are both great players, but Mandzukic has proved his worth in Bayern’s XI — not once but countless times.